10, Z  :M^ 


S.  R.  S.  Doc.  57. 

U.  S.  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRK 

STATES  RELATIONS  SERVICE 

A.  C.  TRUE',  Director. 


iS 


RAISING  DUCKS,  GEESE,  AND  TURKEYS. 

SUGGESTIONS    FOR   TEACHERS    IN    SECONDARY    SCHOOLS.1 

By  H.  P.  Barrows,  Specialist  in  Agricultural  Education. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The  raising  of  ducks,  geese,  and  turkeys  is  not  one  of  our  great  agricultural 
industries.  As  phases  of  poultry  husbandry  their  production  does  not  begin 
to  compare  in  magnitude  to  the  raising  of  common  fowls.  They  are  important 
enough,  however,  in  many  sections  to  be  considered  as  a  phase  of  secondary 
school  agriculture.  As  the  teaching  of  agriculture  becomes  more  vocational 
in  its  aim,  an  appreciation  of  subjects  which  afford  practical  home  work  is 
developed.  The  keeping  of  a  flock  of  poultry  affords  the  student  an  opportunity 
to  apply  general  principles  of  animal  husbandry  and  supplies  a  wealth  of  con- 
crete experience  upon  which  classroom  instruction  may  be  based.  The  sug- 
gestions which  follow,  while  they  pertain  to  the  teaching  of  special  branches 
of  poultry  husbandry,  may  be  applied  to  the  subject  in  a  general  way  or  to 
other  special  branches. 

RELATION  OF  SUBJECT  TO  COURSE  OF  STUDY. 

Relation  to  agricultural  courses. — In  schools  which  give  a  special  course  in 
poultry  husbandry  considerable  time  may  be  given  to  the  raising  of  ducks, 
geese,  and  turkeys  by  the  whole  class,  especially  in  the  region  of  large  cities 
which  afford  a  special  market  and  hence  a  special  opportunity  along  this  line, 
and  in  sections  which  are  especially  adapted  to  these  phases  of  poultry  produc- 
tion. In  schools  which  include  poultry  husbandry  in  a  general  course  in  animal 
husbandry  or  which  give  but  a  general  course  in  agriculture  there  will  not 
he  time  for  the  whole  class  to  make  a  detailed  study  of  methods  of  raising 
ducks,  geese,  and  turkeys.  Such  courses  may  be  adapted  to  the  interests  of 
individual  students  by  assigning  special  practicums,  projects,  and  subjects  for 
reports.  As  the  majority  of  the  students  will  have  a  general  interest  in  raising 
ducks,  geese,  and  turkeys,  the  subject  may  be  considered  by  the  whole  class 
according  to  the  time  available. 

Relation  to  of  her  courses. — There  should  be  close  correlation  between  the 
teaching  of  all  phases  of  animal  husbandry  and  the  teaching  of  biology.  A 
student  who  is  taking  care  of  a  flock  of  poultry  at  home  will  make  observa- 
tions and  gain  experiences  which  will  aid  him  in  a  study  of  animals  in  general 
and  form  a  basis  for  a  knowledge  of  birds  in  particular.     The  pupil  who  has 

1  Prepared  under  the  direction  of  C.  H.  Lane,  Chief  Specialist  in  Agricultural  Education, 
States  Relations  Service. 
3S150— 17 


to  dress  fowls  for  market  has  opportunity  for  a  study  of  the  anatomy  of  birds 
which  is  preferable  in  many  ways  to  laboratory  dissection. 

The  building  of  poultry  houses  and  the  making  of  nest  boxes,  shipping  crates, 
feed  hoppers,  and  the  many  devices  used  in  connection  with  the  keeping  of 
ducks  or  other  fowls  furnish  an  opportunity  for  the  practical  application  of 
mechanic  arts. 

CLASSROOM  INSTRUCTION. 

Use  of  reference  material. — The  outlines  given  in  connection  with  the  home 
projects  will  suggest  topics  for  discussion  arranged  according  to  a  logical  se- 
quence. Most  of  the  questions  may  be  answered  from  the  study  of  the  follow- 
ing Farmers'  Bulletins  of  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture:  G97. 
Duck  Raising,  707.  Goose  Raising:  and  791.  Turkey  Raising.  Each  student 
should  secure  a  copy  of  these  bulletins.  Those  students  who  intend  to  take  any 
one  of  these  phases  of  poultry  husbandry  as  a  main  project  will  find  aid  in  the 
texts  and  periodicals  devoted  to  poultry  husbandry  in  their  more  extensive 
study.  The  teacher  may  assign  topics  for  special  investigation  and  study  to 
these  students  and  have  them  make  either  oral  reports  to  the  class  or  written 
reports  to  the  teacher. 

Use  of  illustrative  material. — In  a  study  of  types  and  breeds  the  illustrations 
in  the  bulletins  should  be  supplemented  with  such  other  good  pictures  of  ducks. 
geese,  and  turkeys  as  may  be  obtained.  Illustrations  should  not  take  the  place 
of  living  fowls  if  such  are  conveniently  accessible.  A  field  trip  may  be  made 
to  a  neighboring  farm  where  such  fowls  are  kept  for  the  purpose  of  studying 
methods  and  equipment  as  well  as  the  birds.  The  teacher  with  his  class  should 
take  advantage  of  fairs  and  poultry  shows  in  making  a  study  of  types  and 
breeds.  Some  of  these  schools  have  held  very  successful  poultry  shows  at  which 
both  students  and  patrons  exhibit  fowls.  These  shows  aid  in  arousing  interest 
as  well' as  supplying  material  for  a  study  of  types  and  breeds  and  practice  in 
judging. 

PRACTICUMS. 

Judging. — In  judging  any  of  the  standard  breeds  of  ducks,  geese,  and  turkeys 
the  American  Standard  of  Perfection  should  be  used  for  a  scale  of  points.  If 
there  is  time  to  go  into  this  work  extensively  comparative  judging  should  be 
taken  up  after  the  students  become  familiar  with  the  score  card  for  the  breeds 
important  in  the  district. 

Preparing  fowls  for  market. — If  a  sufficient  number  of  the  class  are  interested 
in  the  production  of  ducks,  geese,  or  turkeys  for  the  market,  the  whole  class 
may  take  part  in  the  killing,  picking,  and  packing  of  the  fowls,  according  to  the 
directions  given  in  the  bulletins.  If  but  a  few  students  are  interested  the  work 
may  be  assigned  as  a  home  practicum  to  individuals. 

Running  an  incubator. — Duck's  eggs  may  be  substituted  for  hen's  eggs  in  the 
incubator  in  operation  at  the  school,  as  suggested  in  Volume  I.  No.  5,  of  the 
Agricultural  Education  Monthly.  Hatching  and  Rearing  of  Chicks  as  a  Subject 
of  Instruction  in  Secondary  Schools.  In  connection  with  incubation,  whether 
conducted  at  the  school  or  at  home,  the  making  of  an  egg  tester  and  practice  in 
testing  eggs  should  be  required. 

Unking  equipment. — The  making  of  a  poultry  house  is  an  excellent  class 
practicum  or  project  either  for  a  class  in  animal  husbandry  or  a  class  in  farm 
mechanics  or  for  the  two  classes  working  together.  The  size  and  form  of  the 
house  may  be  adapted  to  the  needs  and  resources  of  the  school  and  the  district 
which  it  serves.  It  may  be  made  upon  the  school  grounds  or  at  the  home  of  one 
of  the  students  or  school  patrons.  Directions  for  making  houses  may  be  found 
in  Farmers.'  Bulletin  574,  Poultry  House  Construction  (1914). 


Schools  not  prepared  to  take  up  poultry-house  construction  may  have  their 
students  make  such  equipment  as  feed  hoppers,  nest  boxes,  and  brood  coops, 
either  at  the  school  or  at  their  homes. 

Preserving  eggs. — All  students,  whether  they  are  keeping  poultry  or  not,  should 
know  how  to  preserve  eggs.  The  equipment  that  is  essential  may  be  secured 
readily  and  brought  to  the  school  so  that  the  work  may  be  done  as  a  class  prac- 
ticum.  Full  directions  for  three  methods  of  preserving  eggs  are  given  on  page 
41  of  Farmers'  Bulletin  287,  Poultry  Management  (1907). 

A  HOME  PROJECT.1 

The  keeping  of  ducks,  geese,  or  turkeys  for  the  profitable  production  of  either 
meat  or  eLrL<  is  a  suitable  project  for  a  special  application  of  the  principles  of 
poultry  husbandry.  Only  those  students  who  are  surrounded  with  conditions 
favorable  to  the  production  of  any  of  these  fowls  and  their  sale  at  a  profit 
should  be  encouraged  to  go  extensively  into  such  a  project  in  preference  to  one 
involving  common  fowls.  The  project  should  be  connected  with  the  school  work 
in  a  definite  way.  The  following  study  outlines  should  prove  helpful  in  aiding 
the  teacher  and  student  in  correlating  the  home  work  with  the  work  at  school. 
The  student  may  center  his  attention  upon  the  production  of  egg's,  either  for 
market  (in  the  case  of  ducks)  or  for  hatching,  the  production  of  fowls  for  the 
table  or  for  breeding  purposes,  or  a  combination  of  any  or  all  of  the  aims 
above.    The  outlines  cover  the  subject  in  a  general  way. 

DUCK  PROJECT  STUDY  OUTLINE. 

EGGS    AND    DUCKS    FOR    THE    MARKET— A    PRODUCTION    PROJECT. 

I.  Shall  I  raise  ducks  as  my  project? 

1.  Have  I  a  good  place  to  keep  ducks? 

2.  Is  there  an  opportunity   to  develop  a  profitable  market  for  ducks  and 

their  eggs? 

3.  Can  I  secure  the  consent  and  cooperation  of  my  parents  in  carrying  out 

this  project? 

4.  Do  I  like  ducks? 

5.  How  may  I  secure  funds  to  make  a  start? 

II.  What  breed  shall  I  select? 

1.  What  shall  be  my  chief  aim  in  raising  ducks? 

2.  Why  is  the  Pekin  so  popular  as  a  meat  fowl? 

3.  What   are    the   characteristics   of   other   ducks   considered    as   profitable 

meat  producers? 

4.  What  are  the  claims   made  for   the   Indian   Runner  ducks   as  egg  pro- 

ducers? 

5.  Can  I  raise  any  of  the  ornamental  breeds  at  a  profit? 

6.  Can  I  distinguish  all  of  the  breeds  described  in  Farmers'  Bulletin  697? 

III.  How  shall  I  begin  my  project? 

1.  Shall  I  start  with  eggs,  yonng  stock,  or  matured  fowls? 

2.  How  many  breeders  shall  I  buy? 

3.  How  many  ducks  should  be  mated  with  one  drake? 

4.  Can  I  select,  good  breeding  stock? 

5.  Do   I   know  of  a   reliable  breeder   of   whom    I   can    uret    the   stock   at   a 

reasonable  price? 


1  For   directions   for   conducting  a   home   project   see   Department    Bulletin    34.").    Home 
Projects  in  Secondary  Courses  in  Agriculture. 


IV.  Can  I  build  suitable  houses  and  yards? 

1.  What  is  considered  an  ideal  location  for  a  duck  farm? 

2.  Why  is  the  kind  of  soil  and  the  amount  of  slope  important? 

3.  What  essentials  are  to  be  kept  in  mind  in  arranging  buildings  and  pens? 

4.  May  ducks  be  kept  successfully  without  water  in  which  to  swim? 

5.  Why  is  an  abundant  supply  of  drinking  water  essential? 

6.  What  plan  may  be  adopted  to  keep  the  yards  in  a  sanitary  condition 

where  a  large  number  of  ducks  are  kept  in  a  small  space? 

7.  What  type  of  poultry  house  is  best  suited  to  ducks? 

8.  Can  I  make  a  new  house  or  make  over  an  old  one  that  will  be  suited 

to  my  needs?  • 

9.  How  much  space  shall  be  allowed  for  each  duck? 

10.  What  provision  shall   I  make  for  nests? 

V.  How  shall  I  hatch  the  eggs  of  ducks? 

1.  What  conditions  are  essential  to  the  production  of  strong,  fertile  eggs? 

2.  How  long  does  it  take  the  eggs  of  common  ducks  to  hatch? 

3.  Will  the  ducks  of  breed  I  have  selected  hatch  their  own  eggs? 

4.  Shall  I  use  hens  or  an  incubator  for  hatching? 

5.  What  treatment  shall  I  give  eggs  that  may  be  dirty? 

6.  What  treatment  shall  I  give  hens  that  may  be  lousy? 

'  7.  How  shall  a  number  of  sitting  hens  be  handled  in  one  room? 

8.  How  many  eggs  shall  be  given  to  each  hen? 

9.  What  shall  I  feed  sitting  hens? 

10.  Why  should  especial  care  be  given  to  hens  used  to  hatch  duck  eggs? 

11.  What  special  treatment  should  be  given  the  eggs? 

12.  Will  it  pay  me  to  use  an  incubator? 

13.  At  what  temperature  is  the  incubator  kept  for  duck  eggs? 

14.  What  special  directions  shall  I  follow  in  operating  the  machine? 

15.  How  is  moisture  applied  to  duck  eggs  in  an  incubator? 

16.  How  are  the  eggs  turned  and  cooled? 

17.  How  long  and  under  what  conditions  should  the  ducklings  be  kept  in 

the  incubator  after  hatching? 

18.  Why  is  it  important  to  test  the  eggs? 

19.  How  may  the  infertile  eggs  be  used? 

20.  Do  I  understand  how  to  test  eggs  during  incubation? 

VI.  How  shall  I  brood  the  ducklings? 

1.  Shall  I  use  hens  or  brooder? 

2.  Why  should  hens  with  ducklings  be  denied  free  range? 

3.  Under  what  conditions  are  green  ducks  raised  for  the  market? 

4.  How  can  I  keep  track  of  the  ages  of  those  intended  to  be  kept  for 

breeders? 

5.  At  what  temperature  should  the  brooder  be  kept? 

6.  How  may  I  tell  if  the  brooder  is  comfortable? 

7.  Under  what  conditions  may  artificial  heat  be  withdrawn? 

8.  How  may  brooding  systems  intended  for  chicks  be  adapted  to  ducklings? 

9.  What  kind  of  brooder  and  brooder  house  will  be  adapted  best  to  my 

needs  ? 

10.  What  kind  of  yards  shall  I  plan  for  the  young  ducks? 

VII.  Do  I  understand  proper  methods  of  feeding? 

1.  How  should   rations  suitable  to  common  fowls  be  modified  to  meet  the 

needs  of  ducks? 

2.  What   is   the   difference   between   a   laying   ration   and   a   maintenance 

ration? 


3.  Why  are  Indian  Runner  ducks  fed  laying  rations  throughout  the  year? 

4.  Why  do  not  ducklings  need  feed  for  the  first  3G  hours? 

5.  What  is  a  suitable  mixture  for  ducklings  when* first  fed?    When  3  days 

old?     When  7  days  old? 

6.  How  often  should  they  be  fed  at  these  ages  and  as  they  grow  older? 

7.  What  special  feed  and  care  should  be  given  those  intended  to  be  saved 

for  breeding? 

8.  How  are  the  young  ducks  fattened  for  market? 

9.  At  what  age  are  green  ducks  marketed? 

10.  What  special  feed  and  care  should  be  given  breeding  ducks  not  kept 

for  the  production  of  market  eggs? 

11.  What  is  a  good  ration  for  laying  ducks? 

12.  What  crops  afford  a  source  of  green  feed? 

13.  How  is  mash  fed  to  ducks? 

14.  What  special  attention  should  be  given  to  the  supply  of  drinking  water? 

15.  What  quantity  of  mash  is  required  by  laying  Pekin  ducks? 
1G.  What  is  the  cost  of  keeping  such  a  duck  for  one  year  ? 

VIII.  How  shall  I  prepare  ducks  for  market? 

1.  What  is  the  best  method  of  killing? 

2.  What  methods  of  picking  are  employed? 

3.  How  is  down  often  removed? 

4.  How  are  the  ducks  cooled  and  packed? 

5.  What  is  the  average  cost  of  picking? 

6.  What  part  of  this  cost  is  redeemed  in  the  sale  of  the  feathers? 

7.  What  is  the  cost  of  the  feed  necessary  to  produce  a  pound  of  meat  in 

green  ducks? 

8.  What  prices  are  secured  for  these  ducks? 

9.  Will  it  pay  me  to  attempt  to  develop  a  market  for  green  ducks? 

IX.  Can  I  market  my  eggs  at  a  profit? 

1.  Is  there  a  special  market  for  duck  eggs  in  the  district  where  I  live? 

2.  Can  I  develop  a  special  market  for  my  eggs? 

3.  With  pure-bred  ducks,   may   I   not  sell   some  eggs  for   hatching  at  an 

advanced  price? 

4.  What  special  precautions  in  care  and  marketing  must  be  taken  to  main- 

tain good  quality  and  the  desirable  reputation  which  accompanies  it? 

5.  Will  it  pay  me  to  preserve  my  surplus  eggs  when  the  price  is. lowest? 

GOOSE  PROJECT  STUDY  OUTLINE. 

GEESE  AND  FEATHERS  FOR  THE  MARKET— A  PRODUCTION  PROJECT. 

I.  Shall  I  raise  geese  as  my  project? 

1.  Is  this  section  suited  to  geese? 

2.  Have  I  a  good  place  to  keep  geese? 

3.  Will  I  have  a  profitable  market  for  the  geese  I  raise? 

4.  Is  there  a  profitable  local  market  for  goose  feathers.? 

5.  Do  I  like  geese  and  enjoy  working  with  poultry? 

II.  How  shall  I  get  a  start  with  geese? 

1.  Shall  I  start  with  a  setting  of  eggs  or  secure  a  pen  of  matured  geese? 

2.  How  many  eggs  in  a  setting? 

3.  How  many  geese  may  be  mated  with  one  gander? 

4.  How  can  I  distinguish  the  male  and  females? 

5.  What  other  points  should  I  keep  in  mind  in  selecting  bre'eding  stock? 


6 

III.  What  breed  shall  I  select? 

1.  What  are  the  six  leading  breeds  of  geese? 

2.  How  do  they  rank  in  size? 

3.  How  do  they  rank  as  layers? 

4.  How  may  they  be  distinguished  by  color  and  other  markings? 

5.  What  is  the  origin  of  each  of  these  breeds? 

6.  Which  of  the  breeds  are  considered  best  for  the  market? 

7.  Which  are  the  best  to  handle  about  the  farm  ? 

8.  Considering  all  my  aims  and  needs,  which  breed  will  serve  my  purpose 

best? 

IV.  How  shall  I  hatch  the  eggs  of  geese? 

1.  When  is  the  best  time  to  hatch  goslings? 

2.  How  are  eggs  which  are  to  be  used  for  hatching  cared  for? 

3.  What  are  the  advantages  in  using  hens  for  hatching? 

4.  Under  what  conditions  will  it  be  desirable  to  let  the  geese  hatch  their 

own  eggs? 

5.  What  is  the  period  of  incubation  for  the  eggs  of  geese? 

6.  What  special  attention  must  be  given  the  eggs  and  the  hens  when  hens 

are  used  for  hatching? 

7.  How  many  goose  eggs  are  usually  given  to  a  hen?     How  many  to  a 

goose  ? 

8.  When,  how,  and  for  what  purpose  are  the  eggs  tested? 

9.  How  are  the  young  goslings  cared  for  at  hatching  time? 

10.  How  are  the  hens  and  goslings  managed  after  hatching? 

11.  What  different  management  should  goose  eggs  receive  in  an  incubator  to 

that  given  to  eggs  of  hens? 

V.  How  shall  I  feed  my  geese  and  goslings? 

1.  Why  should  not  goslings  be  fed  until  they  are  24  to  36  hours  old? 

2.  What  would  be  a  suitable  mash  for  them  to  begin  on? 

3.  What  accessories  should  be  supplied  in  addition  to  the  food  ration? 

4.  What  would  be  a  good  ration  for  fattening? 

5.  How  is  the  fattening  ration  prepared  and  handled  by  those  who  make  a 

business  of  fattening  geese  for  the  market? 

6.  How  are  the  geese  handled  in  fattening? 

7.  What  is  a  good  ration  for  laying  geese? 

8.  Why  are  pasturage  and  a  supply  of  fresh  water  essential? 

9.  What  may  be  given  for  roughage  in  the  winter? 

VI.  How  shall  I  manage  my  breeding  stock? 

1.  What  are  the  essential  qualities  of  good  breeding  stock? 

2.  At  what  age  are  they  at  their  best  for  breeding  purposes? 

3.  When  should  geese  be  mated? 

4.  How  long  may  geese  be  kept  for  breeding  purposes? 

5.  How  many  geese  may  be  kept  profitably  on  an  acre  of  land? 

6.  What  would  be  an  ideal  location  for  geese? 

7.  What  sort  of  houses  and  yards  must  I  make  for  my  geese? 

8.  What  provisions  should  I  make  for  nesting? 

9.  Why  is  cleanliness  extremely  important? 

10.  How  may  broodiness  be  overcome  in  geese? 

11.  How  are  geese  handled  to  the  best  advantage? 

12.  How  and  when  are  geese  picked  for  their  feathers? 
VIL  How  are  geese  prepared  for  market? 

1.  Will  it  pay  me  to  buy  geese  from  my  neighbors  to  fatten  for  market? 

2.  What  are  the  essential  factors  in  successful  fattening? 

3.  Will  I  have  a  market  for  any  geese  especially  fattened  by  cramming? 


4.  How  is  the  cramming-  process  conducted? 

5.  What  is  the  best  time  of  the  year  to  soil  fattened  geese? 

6.  At  what  age  will  it  be  most  profitable  to  sell  geese  for  the  market? 

7.  How  are  geese  killed? 

8.  Will  my  market  require  them  scalded  or  dry  picked? 

9.  What  is  the  best  method  of  scalding? 

11.  How  are  the  geese  put  in  condition  for  market  after  picking? 

12.  What  is  the  best  method  of  packing? 

13.  Can  I  get  any  points  from  local  breeders  which  will  aid  me  in  my 

project? 

TURKEY  PROJECT  STUDY  OUTLINE. 

RAISING    TURKEYS    FOR    THE    MARKET— A    PRODUCTION    PROJECT. 

I.  Shall  I  raise  turkeys  as  my  project? 

1.  How  does  turkey   raising  compare  with  other  phases  of  poultry   hus- 

bandry in  the  United  States? 

2.  With  what  class  of  farming  does  turkey  raising  fit  best? 

3.  What  are  the  essential  features  of  a  location  suitable  for  raising  turkeys? 

4.  Is  the  section  where  I  live  suitable  for  turkey  raising? 

5.  Have  I  a  suitable  place  for  rearing  them? 

6.  How  about  a  local  market? 

7.  How  do  the  profits  compare  with  other  phases  of  poultry  keeping? 

II.  What  variety  of  turkeys  shall  I  keep? 

1.  What  is  the  origin  of  domestic  turkeys? 

2.  What  have  domestication  and  selective  breeding  done  for  the  turkey? 

3.  What  varieties  are  now  recognized  in  the  American  Standard  of  Per- 

fection? 

4.  Can  I  recognize  each  variety? 

5.  Which  variety  is  the  largest? 

6.  Which  is  reputed  to  be  the  most  hardy? 

7.  Which  is  the  most  prolific? 

8.  Which  is  the  most  domestic? 

9.  Which  will  fill  my  needs  best? 

10.  How  are  geese  picked  to  best  advantage? 

10.  Is  there  an  opportunity  to  secure  the  variety  I  desire  at  a  reasonable 

price? 

11.  Shall  I  start  by  securing  eggs,  young  stock,  or  birds  of  breeding  age? 

III.  What  points  shall  I  keep  in  mind  in  selecting  breeding  stock? 

1.  Why  is  the  selection  of  individual  fowls  equally  important  with  the 

selection  of  variety? 

2.  What  may  be  the  result  of  lack  of  care  in  selecting  breeding  stock? 

3.  What  are  the  two  most  important  qualities  to  be  considered? 

4.  What  are  the  points  that  indicate  these  qualities? 

5.  Why  are  pure-bred  turkeys  superior  to  mongrels? 

6.  How  may  I  best  improve  a  mongrel  flock? 

7.  What  advantage  will  there  be  in  having  pure-bred  females  as  well  as  a 

pure-bred  male?   , 

8.  Can  I  secure  good  prices  for  eggs  for  hatching? 

9.  What  are  the  objections  to  crossing  varieties? 

10.  What  are  the  best  ages  for  breeding  stock? 

11.  How  many  hens  may  be  put  with  one  torn? 

12.  What  is  the  best  time  of  the  year  to  secure  breeding  stock? 


8 

IV.  How  shall  I  manage  my  breeding  stock? 

1.  Why  is  it  better  not  to  allow  two  toms  together  with  a  flock? 

2.  What  is  the  best  plan  for  managing  25  or  30  hens  with  two  toms? 

3.  Why  is  it  best  to  give  turkeys  free  range? 

4.  What  provision  should  he  made  for  exercise  if  turkeys  are  confined? 

5.  How  may. they  be  trained  so  that  they  may  be  driven  easily? 

6.,  What  are  the  essentials  of  a  fence  suitable  for  inclosing  turkeys? 

7.  How  may  turkeys  be  prevented  from  living  over  fences? 

8.  Why  should  turkeys  be  confined  until  they  have  begun  to  lay? 

9.  In  what  condition  of  flesh  should  breeding  stock  be  kept? 

10.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  food  gleaned  by  turkeys  on  range? 

11.  What  is  suitable  supplementary  feeding  for  birds  on  range? 

12.  Why  is  it  necessary  to  supplement  grain  with  some  coarse  vegetable 

foods  and  with  some  animal  products  in  winter? 

13.  How  may  green  feed  be  supplied  best  to  birds  confined  in  the  summer? 

14.  Why  are  wheat  and  oats  better  for  breeding  stock  than  corn? 

15.  Why  are  grit,  charcoal,  and  oyster  shells  essential  throughout  the  breed- 

ing season? 

16.  What  housing  do  turkeys  need  in  the  section  where  I  live? 

17.  How  may  dampness  be  guarded  against? 

18.  What  are  the  mating  habits  of  turkeys? 

19.  How  many  eggs  are  usually  laid  in  the  first  litter? 

20.  How  may  other  litters  be  secured? 

21.  How  may  turkeys  be  broken  of  broodiness? 

22.  Why  is  it  advisable  to  hatch  turkeys  late? 

23.  What  are  the  habits  of  turkey  hens  in  respect  to  laying? 

24.  How  may  a  hidden  nest  be  found? 

25.  What  is  the  best  sort  of  nest  for  turkeys? 

26.  Why  should  eggs  be  gathered  daily? 

27.  How  may  eggs  be  kept  best  for  hatching? 

V.  How  shall  I  hatch  turkey  eggs? 

1.  Shall  I  use  turkey  hens,  common  hens,  or  an  incubator  to  hatch  turkey 

eggs? 

2.  When  may  it  be  necessary  to  use  common  hens  or  an  incubator  in  con- 

nection with  turkey  hens? 

3.  In  such  a  case  how  may  the  turkey  hens  be  induced  to  act  as  mothers? 

4.  What  is  one  of  the  chief  causes  of  a  poor  hatch? 

5.  How  many  eggs  may  turkey  hens  and  common  hens  cover  properly? 

6.  What  is  the  best  sort  of  nest  and  coop  for  hatching  turkey  eggs? 

7.  How  may  I  manage  a  number  of  hens  sitting  at  one  time? 

8.  How  may  a  turkey  hen  be  established  in  hatching  eggs  in  a  new  nest? 

9.  What  are  the  feeding  habits  of  turkeys  at  hatching  time,  and  what  pre- 

cautions should  be  taken  that  they  may  secure  sufficient  food? 

10.  Why  are  provisions  for  exercise  and  dusting  very  important? 

11.  What  special  means  of  prevention  and  cure  may  be  used  for  lice  on 

sitting  hens? 

12.  When  should  I  expect  the  hatch  to  be  completed? 

VI.  What  can  I  do  to  raise  a  large  percentage  of  the  young  turkeys? 

1.  When  is  the  loss  of  young  poults  greatest?     , 

2.  What  are  the  chief  causes  of  the  high  mortality  of  young  poults? 

3.  What  are  the  reasons  for  using  a  brood  coop? 

4.  What  are  the  essentials  of  a  good  brood  coop? 

5.  How  are  the  hen  and  poults  managed  in  the  coop? 


G.  Why  is  it  often  impossible  for  the  young  poults  to  secure  all  of  the 
exercise  they  need? 

7.  What  provisions  should  be  made  for  keeping  the  young  poults  dry  and 

warm  on  free  range? 

8.  Why  is  the  turkey  hen  the  best  mother  for  poults? 

9.  Why  is  it  advisable  to  turn  two  or  three  hens  with' broods  of  the  same 

age  together  on  a  range? 

10.  Why  is  there  apt  to  be  more  danger  of  overfeeding  in  confinement  than 

on  free  range? 

11.  Why  do  poults  need  no  food  for  the  first  two  days? 

12.  What  is  the  best  food  for  them  to  begin  on? 

13.  What  are  the  feeds  for  young  poults  used  by  successful  turkey  raisers? 

14.  Which  of  these  feeds  will  be  the  most  satisfactory  and  economical  for 

me  to  use? 

15.  What  provision  must  be  made  for  green  feed? 

16.  What  other  accessories  are  needed  along  with  the  feed? 

17.  Why  should  the  hen  be  confined  for  a  few  days? 

18.  Why  should  the  poults  be  fed  outside  the  coop? 

19.  At  what  age  and  by  what  means  may  I  tell  the  males  from  the  females? 

20.  What  indication  may  I  have  of  the  age  of  turkeys? 

21.  How  soon  do  turkeys  begin  to  roost? 

22.  What  provision  should  I  make  for  their  roosting  and  how  may  I  get 

them  to  use  the  roosting  place  provided? 

23.  What  are  the  essential  features  of  care  and  feeding  of  the  growing 

poults  on  summer  range? 

24.  How  may  the  young  turkeys  be  kept  from  wandering  over  too  wide  a 

range? 

VII.  How  may  I  protect  my  turkeys  from  disease? 

1.  What  is  the  distinction  between  an  infectious  disease  and  a  noninfec- 

tious ailment? 

2.  What  conditions  are  favorable  to  blackhead? 

3.  What  are  the  symptoms  of  blackhead? 

4.  How  may  its  spread  in  the  flock  be  prevented? 

5.  What  general  measures  of  prevention  should  be  taken? 

6.  What  are  the  indications  of  chicken  pox? 

7.  How  may  chicken  pox  be  treated? 

8.  What  conditions  are  favorable  to  roup? 

9.  What  are  the  symptoms  of  roup? 

10.  How  may  infected  birds  be  treated  for  roup? 

11.  Why  will  it  not  pay  to  attempt  treatment  of  bad  cases  of  roup  and  other 

infectious  diseases? 

VIII.  How  may  I  fatten  my  turkeys  for  market? 

1.  Why  is  it  better  to  work  into  a  fattening  ration  gradually? 

2.  What  ill  effect  follows  a  sudden  change  to  a  heavy  feeding  of  corn? 

3.  Why  is  corn  more  fattening  than  wheat  and  oats? 

4.  Why  is  crate  fattening  or  any  form  of  confinement  not  su<<-ps*ful  in 

fattening  turkeys? 

5.  Of  what  value  are  nuts  and  other  food  picked  up  on  the  range? 

6.  Will  it  pay  me  to  buy  turkeys  for  fattening? 

7.  Why  are  turkey  males  harder  to  fatten  than  the  females? 

8.  What  advantage  is  there  in  caponizing  the  males? 

9.  Will  it  pay  me  to  attempt  to  caponize  my  extra  toms? 
10.  Do  I  know  how  to  caponize? 


10 

IX.  How  shall  I  market  my  turkeys? 

1.  Shall  I  sell  my  turkeys  alive  or  dressed? 

2.  Why  should  turkeys  he  deprived  of  feed  for  a  day  before  killing? 

3.  Do  I  know  the  details  of  killing  and  picking  turkeys  in  a  proper  way? 

4.  Why  should  turkeys  he  cooled  after  killing? 

5.  What  will  he  the  best  method  for  me  to  use  in  cooling  my  turkeys  for 

market  ? 

6.  Shall  I  sell  my  turkeys  in  a  local  market  or  ship  them? 

7.  What  advantages  may  be  gained  from  cooperation  in  marketing? 

8.  Will  it  be  possible  for  me  to  secure  and  fill  special  orders  for  high-grade 

stock? 

9.  Will  it  be  possible  for  me  to  secure  higher  prices  for  some  of  my  birds 

as  breeding  stock? 

FARMERS'  BULLETINS  RELATING  TO  POULTRY  HUSBANDRY. 

51.  Standard  Varieties  of  Chickens. 
234.  The  Guinea  Fowl. 
287.  Poultry  Management. 
355.  A  Successful  Poultry  and  Dairy  Farm. 
445.  Marketing  Eggs  Through  the  Creamery. 
452.  Capons  and  Caponizing. 
528.  Hints  to  Poultry  Raisers. 
530.  Important  Poultry  Diseases. 

562.  The  Organization  of  Boys'  and  Girls'  Poultry  Clubs. 
574.  Poultry  House  Construction. 

585.  Natural  and  Artificial  Incubation  of  Hens'  Eggs. 
594.  Shipping  Eggs  by  Parcel  Post. 
624.  Natural  and  Artificial  Brooding  of  Chickens. 
656.  The  Community  Egg  Circle. 
682.  A  Simple  Trap  Nest  for  Poultry. 
684.  Squab  Raising. 
697.  Duck  Raising. 
767.  Goose  Raising. 
791.  Turkey  Raising. 
806.  Standard  Varieties  of  Chickens.     I.  The  American  Class. 

(Issued  September  26, 1917.) 


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